Exciting News from Theatre Historical Society
Dear Friends of Theatre Historical Society,
We are pleased to announce that the Theatre Historical Society of America has begun a reorganizing and rebuilding effort, and we would like very much to regain your trust and support. Our mission is to bring the original purpose of THS back to the forefront: preservation of our archive, education and the camaraderie of like-minded people.
We sincerely thank all who have continued to make recurring donations via credit card, as well as those who have joined recently. Your faith in THS is very much appreciated!
We have several important messages for everyone:
~ The Hollywood Theatre, in Pittsburgh, has been sold. It is now operated by a local, independent owner, completely unaffiliated with THS, and we wish them the very best. Proceeds from the sale are currently funding the operating budget for the Society, with the remainder forming a reserve. The acquisition of the theatre diverted the organization from its original mission and was a very expensive endeavor. We are taking steps to ensure that in the future,
THS keeps appropriate reserves in an endowment fund for the ongoing mission of the Society.
~ The THS Archive is secure at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, which is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. While the Archive is not open to the public, our former Archivist, Patrick Seymour, is available to accommodate professional requests.
~ THS no longer has any paid staff. We are strictly a volunteer organization. The present board members each bring a skill or background to move THS forward.
~ We are currently operating in the black, but the great majority of the previous endowment has unfortunately been depleted. Rebuilding the organization requires a sustainable annual income through membership and donations to create a viable operating budget. Once we have complete financials, they will be shared with members regularly.
~ We are revising the bylaws to return THS to a membership-centric organization, reversing the previous board’s actions. YOU will have a vote and a voice, as it should be!
~ Last but certainly not least, we want to revitalize the joy and camaraderie that THS brought to many of us through the years! We’re well aware that many – really, all – of the beloved benefits of THS membership are currently suspended.
Our immediate plans are dependent on the response and return from this letter:
- Create clear, concise, transparent financial documents that will be shared with members.
- Reactivate the website (several pages are no longer accurate and therefore are currently Under Construction),
- Work to issue Marquee magazine once again, projected for 2024 Q3 or 4, and…
- Once again, offer a Conclave/Theatre Tour which so many of you fondly remember! We hope to resurrect the Boston Conclave/Theatre Tour in 2025 that was paused because of the COVID outbreak. Stay tuned!
BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Our ability to move forward with the above-stated action plan
will be based on the response we receive from all of you!
During this rebuilding effort, we are offering membership renewals for 2024 at a temporary minimum rate of $75 to simply support the basic daily operations and security of the Archive storage at the Heinz History Center. Of course, we hope you will see fit to donate more. The need is great.
Go to www.historictheatres.org
and click the secure Donate Now tab,
This is the preferred and quickest form of giving.
Or if you prefer, please send a check to the address shown
at the top of this letter with the information stub shown below included.
Demonstrating your interest and dedication to the rebuilding efforts through a membership and/or supporting donation will ensure that THS can again become a strong, vital institution. We must be able to protect the vast collection of historic documents and materials that were entrusted to us. Whether you are a longtime member or a new one, we welcome you and we share and celebrate your interest in – and passion for – historic theatres.
We know you may have questions. We encourage you to leave a message at 315-789-6158 (Eastern time zone) or email YourTHS.Now@gmail.com for a reply. We want everyone to feel heard and have their questions answered!
This board is fully committed to restoring THS to its former stature, and truly appreciate your continuing support! Let’s join together in this effort!
New People, tackling New Challenges for a Return to Founding Values
Sincerely, Your THS Board of Directors
President: Gary Parks (Hayward CA), [Past THS Director]
VP & Archives: Steve Kaplowitz (San Jose CA), [Past THS Director]
Secretary: Lowell Angell (Honolulu HI), [Past THS Director, President and Secretary]
Finance: Chris May (Jackson Heights NY) [1999 Conclave Committee]
Carolyn Chen (Bethesda MD) [Past THS Director and Secretary]
William Daw (Pittsburgh PA)
Mike Hauser (Detroit MI) [Past THS Director, Secretary and Vice President]
Matt Lambros (Weymouth MA) [Past THS Director]
Allen Michaan (Oakland CA)
Karen Colizzi Noonan (Geneva NY) [Past THS Director, Secretary and President]
Randy Siefkin (Modesto CA), Membership
